hoi mam
The English phrase "hi mom" is translated into Dutch as hoi mam.
This phrase is an informal greeting used when speaking to one's mother.
Which one should you use?
While hoi is a common informal greeting, it is more casual than hallo. Using hoi mama instead of hoi mam makes the greeting sound more affectionate or childlike.
Did you know?
- The greeting hoi may actually be a distant relative of the English nautical call ahoy, which was used to hail ships at sea.
- While mam is common in the Netherlands, speakers in Flanders may prefer mama or other regional variations for their mother.
- In some traditional Dutch households, the greeting hoi is considered too casual for elders and hallo is preferred.
Examples in context
- Hoi mam, hoe gaat het?Hi mom, how are you?
- Hoi mam, ben je al thuis?Hi mom, are you home yet?
- Hoi mam, ik ben er weer.Hi mom, I'm back.
Example conversation
Lisa walks into the kitchen to see her mother.
- LisaHoi mam, wat eten we vandaag?Hi mom, what are we eating today?
- DaanHoi Lisa, we hebben pasta.Hi Lisa, we have pasta.
- LisaDat klinkt heerlijk!That sounds delicious!
- DaanGa maar vast aan tafel zitten.Go ahead and sit at the table.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hoi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
